Gabrielle Union 'Being Mary Jane' lawsuit moves to arbitration

Gabrielle Union's lawsuit against BET and Breakdown Productions is heading to arbitration, according to SAG-AFTRA.

The union said in a statement Friday that the network and the production company behind "Being Mary Jane" continue to "abuse the option pickup process," and they are entering arbitration on behalf of the cast.

"Regarding the series 'Being Mary Jane,' BET and Breakdown Productions continue to abuse the option pickup process and mask which season they are shooting in order to avoid paying contractually agreed upon raises. As a result, SAG-AFTRA is moving to arbitration on behalf of the entire cast," the union said in a statement.

In a suit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court last month, the "Being Mary Jane" star claimed the network attempted to combine Seasons 4 and 5 of the drama into one 20-episode season as a ploy to shortchange her by extending the length of the season beyond the terms of her deal.

"It is outrageous that BET would treat one of its biggest stars in this manner after all she has done to support the network and contribute its success," the complaint read.